This article describes how to reset a forgotten Windows XP or Vista password. You can do this using the default hidden administrator account, or you can use a Vista installation or password reset disk if you have one available.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Open the Administrator Account
Step 1. Restart your computer
You open Start, click the icon Power
then click Restart.
Step 2. Press the "advanced options" button
This is usually the F8 key, although it is not always the same on all computers. Pressing the button while restarting the computer will open the advanced options menu.
You will see the button to open "Advanced Options" or "Startup Options" (or even "Advanced Settings") appear at the bottom of the screen while the computer restarts
Step 3. Select Safe Mode and press Enter.
The computer will restart in Safe Mode.
Step 4. Select the operating system if asked
On Windows XP, you may be asked to choose the operating system; in this case, just press Enter.
Step 5. Wait for the account page to load
You should see at least two profiles: the one you usually use and the one as an administrator.
Usually the Administrator account has the image of a chess piece
Step 6. Click Admin or Administrator.
This will log you into that account. You should now see the desktop.
Part 2 of 3: Reset Password
Step 1. Open Start
Click the Windows logo (or the button Start on Windows XP) in the lower left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Click Run…
This button has an envelope icon and is located on the right side of the Start window. Press it and a window will open.
On Windows Vista, you can write run if you don't see the button Run in the Start menu.
Step 3. Type cmd
This is the command to open the Command Prompt.
Step 4. Click OK
You will find the button at the bottom of the Run window. Press it and Command Prompt will open.
Step 5. Enter the password reset command
Type net user username new_password, replacing "username" with the username of the account whose password you have forgotten and "new_password" with the access key you want to assign.
For example: to change the password to "puppy123" for the "computercasa" account, type the net user computercasa puppy123 command
Step 6. Press Enter
The password of the indicated account will be changed immediately.
Step 7. Restart your computer again
When you see the login screen again, you should be able to choose your account and enter the new password.
Part 3 of 3: Using a Rescue Disk on Vista
Step 1. Find the Windows Vista installation or repair disc
To follow this method, you need to enter the Recovery Console, which you can only access with the Windows Vista installation or recovery disc.
- You can download the Windows Vista ISO file and write it to a DVD.
- The installation disc does not necessarily have to be the one you used to install the operating system, but it must be the same version of Windows.
Step 2. Insert the installation disc into your computer
Place it with the printed side facing up in the computer reader.
Step 3. Restart your computer
Click the up arrow next to the Power icon
then click Restart in the menu that appears.
Step 4. Press your computer's BIOS key
As soon as the system starts to reboot, press the BIOS key. You will see it indicated at the bottom of the screen.
If you can't find the BIOS key, consult your computer manual or search the internet
Step 5. Select the "Boot" or "Boot" tab
Use the arrows to move to the tab you want.
Skip this step if you don't see the tab Boot.
Step 6. Change the boot order
Select the option Disc, Disc Drive or similar, then press the + button until that item is at the top of the list.
Step 7. Save the settings and exit the BIOS
You can usually press a key to do this; look for the "Save and Exit" button on the right side of the screen.
If you need to confirm your decision, press Enter when asked
Step 8. Press any key when prompted
The Windows Recovery window will open.
Step 9. Click Next
The button is located in the lower right corner of the window.
Step 10. Click Repair your computer
You will find the button in the lower left corner of the window.
Step 11. Select Windows Vista, then click Come on.
You will find the button in the center of the window.
Step 12. Click Command Prompt
This is the button in the center of the screen. Press it and the command prompt will open.
Step 13. Write the command "utilman"
Type c: / windows / system32 / utilman.exe c: / and press Enter.
If the operating system is installed on the "D:" drive, type d: / windows / system32 / utilman.exe d: / instead
Step 14. Enter the following command
Type copy c: / windows / system32 / cmd.exe c: / windows / system32 / utilman.exe and press Enter.
Step 15. Enter the final command
Type y and press Enter. This will give the answer "Yes", activating the command prompt on the Windows logon screen.
Step 16. Eject the installation or recovery disc, then restart your computer
When finished, you should see the login screen again.
Step 17. Click the "Accessibility" button
This is the blue clock button in the lower left or right corner of the screen. Press it and the command prompt will open.
Step 18. Enter the password reset command
Type net user username new_password, replacing "username" with the username of the account whose password you have forgotten and "new_password" with the access key you want to use.
For example: to set the "amolearance" password for the "citrus lover" account, you should type net user citrus lover amolearance
Step 19. Press Enter
You have successfully changed the password for the indicated account.
Step 20. Log in with the new password
Select your user profile and enter the new password you just configured. You should be able to log back into Windows.
